US pound Serbia to claim basketball gold

The USA basketball team celebrates after winning gold. Photo: Getty Images
The USA basketball team celebrates after winning gold. Photo: Getty Images
A ruthless United States pounded Serbia 96-66 to claim a third straight Olympic men's basketball title, giving coach Mike Krzyzewski a golden send-off.

After scrapping to a tense three point win over Serbia in the group round, the United States quickly removed any suspense from the rematch, surging to a 52-29 halftime lead then cruising to their 25th straight win on Olympic hardwood.

Kevin Durant led the assault, pouring in 30 points including 24 in a brilliant opening half, while DeMarcus Cousins was again a beast on the boards, pulling down 15 rebounds.

The rout capped a brilliant tenure as Team USA head coach for Krzyzewski, who signs off having guided the US to three consecutive Olympic gold medals and a near perfect 88-1 record in international competition.

The only blemish on the resume of 'Coach K', as Krzyzewski is known to many, is a semi-final loss to Greece at the 2006 world championships.

Earlier, Spain edged Australia 89-88 to take home the bronze.

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